Fresh off a string of live shows at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City, Grammy-nominated artist DRAM is back with a brand-new collaborative album called LEORPIO. Teaming up with fellow Virginia artist Ellis Quinn, the project is out now and shows DRAM in his creative zone. He blends soul, rap, and smooth vocals with a fresh perspective.
Along with the album, DRAM also released a video for the emotional ballad “Mars.” In it, he and Ellis pick up a lonely astronaut and bring him to a local dive bar. There, DRAM serenades the room in front of a sparkling, tinsel-filled stage. The video is playful yet heartfelt, just like the song itself.
LEORPIO has been in the works since last fall when DRAM dropped “Blue Hunnids” featuring Guapdad 4000. The full album includes guest appearances from big names like FERG and Chance the Rapper. Named as a tribute to OutKast’s Aquemini, the album feels like a love letter to DRAM’s roots. Moreover, while still pushing his sound forward. It blends different genres effortlessly.
This is DRAM’s third full-length project since going back to the name DRAM. And it feels like an important step in his journey. He’s still all about joy, creativity, and staying true to himself, but there’s a new energy in the mix. Furthermore, LEORPIO is a fun, thoughtful, and genre-bending album that shows how much he’s grown as an artist.
Whether you’ve been a DRAM fan since “Broccoli” or are just discovering his music, LEORPIO is worth the listen. It’s full of good vibes, unique sounds, and honest moments. Thus, it’s proof that DRAM is still in his own lane, and loving every second of it.
Savannah Ré, the 3x JUNO Award-winning singer-songwriter, is back with Formed! The world has been waiting on this one. It’s an 11-track offering that reintroduces her as an independent force in R&B. A longtime staple of Toronto’s soulful music scene, Savannah steps into a new chapter with grace, vulnerability, and unmistakable confidence.
During an interview with Remixd Magazineahead of the album, Savannah expanded on the meaning of the project. “This is the most ‘me’ I’ve ever been in my music,” she reflects. “Every song, every lyric, every decision was intentional. I hope people hear it and feel seen, like there’s space for all of who they are too.”
Moreover, carrying forward themes introduced in her 2022 No Weapons EP, Formed draws inspiration from her mother’s favorite Bible verse: “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.” But rather than frame this as a finished product, Savannah describes the EP as “a celebration of becoming — the imperfect, beautiful process of growth.” Tracks like the gentle opener “Bodies” and the reflective closer “Made It Out” read like diary entries, set to dreamy guitar and airy synths.
Savannah leans into both softness and strength throughout Formed. For every introspective ballad, there’s a head-nodding anthem to balance the mood. One standout is “Go ‘Head.” A bold, summer-ready bop produced by Boi-1da that encourages listeners to walk away from anything that doesn’t serve them. Elsewhere, the sultry “Sex With My Ex” — which was notably sampled by Drake on his 100Gigs site — adds a dose of unapologetic honesty.
Make sure to keep Savannah Ré on your radar — she’s just getting started.
Jacksonville rapper Lil Poppa is back with a brand-new track, “Start Trippin (Shawty Fine),” and it’s the perfect mix of fun and smooth. The single shows off his talent for blending catchy melodies with real storytelling. Thus, something his fans love him for. Along with the song, he also dropped a music video that’s already getting attention.
“Start Trippin (Shawty Fine)” comes ahead of Poppa’s next full-length album, set to drop this summer. This new song has a lighter, more playful vibe compared to his last single, “I Hate You,” which was emotional and raw. That track already has over a million views, and together, both songs give a hint of the variety we can expect on the upcoming project.
Moreover, Poppa’s been making steady moves and continues to grow his fanbase with every release. He’s known for keeping it real in his lyrics, whether he’s talking about love, struggle, or everyday life. “Start Trippin (Shawty Fine)” shows he can switch it up and still keep that same honesty in his music.
On top of the new release, Lil Poppa is also getting ready to hit the road for his Almost Normal Again Tour. The tour kicks off May 22 in Washington, D.C. and will hit 20 cities across the country. Including major stops in New York, Atlanta, Houston, and his hometown, Jacksonville. It’s a big moment for him, and a great chance for fans to see him live.
With new music and a tour on the way, it’s clear Lil Poppa is ready to have a huge summer. If “Start Trippin (Shawty Fine)” is any sign of what’s coming next, fans have a lot to look forward to.
It’s New Music Friday! We are midway through May, and there’s already been a plethora of new releases worth checking out. Per usual, Remixd Magazine is back with our weekly roundup of the best new music. This week’s edition features drops from Rihanna, Latto, Bossman Dlow, and many more. Keep reading to get your playlist up to date!
New Music Friday Picks
Rihanna – “Friend Of Mine”
With Rihanna‘s new release, “Friend Of Mine,” it’s very safe to say she is officially in her “Mom Era.” Based off the heavy autotune alone, the target audience for this track is clearly for kids. In fact, it’s part of the Smurfs movie soundtrack. For the most part, the dancehall-inspired production perfectly fits her style, the lyrics leave a lot to be desired. In short, don’t be surprised if we get another 3-year music hiatus from Rihanna, unless it’s another movie soundtrack song.
Latto – “Somebody”
Without a doubt, it’s a very high chance that we will get a R&B album from Latto. In previous releases, she always teased the idea of her crossing over and “Somebody” takes that idea into full fruition. However, when she is able to tap into her melodic side, it feels like she’s able to tap more into her vulnerability. Her evolution as a songwriter speaks to her refusing to be creatively stagnant.
Bossman Dlow – “Hit” ft Gucci Mane
Undoubtedly, its poetic to see Gucci Mane & the younger version of himself, Bossman Dlow link up for their new song, “Hit.” In this instance, this track pairs together two trap artists who share a similar essence, despite belonging to different generations. Sonically, the hard-hitting trap production truly carries a personality of its own that draws you in. It hits even harder that Gucci rewinds the clock to 06′ to gift us a vintage performance.
NxWorries, Knxwledge, & Anderson .Paak – “Everybody Gets Down”
The release of “Everybody Gets Down” gives me the impression that it’s going to be a NxWorries summer. This R&B super duo was able to perfectly encapsulate the summer feeling with this track. It’s such a fun yet chill song, that has a very polished sound. Undoubtedly, they played it safe. To sum up, it opens the door for them to make more upbeat music compared to their usual soulful style.
Sabrina Claudio – “Memory Foam”
R&B songstress, Sabrina Claudio recently gave listeners a peek into her upcoming album with “Memory Foam.” This song definitely gives early 2010’s nostalgia with the way it takes you back to a simpler time. The intimate subject matter focuses on not letting your past burden your heart. But if she continues to give us such personal and meaningful lyrics, it’s likely that she might be dropping her best album yet.
Raquel – “La La La” ft NLE Choppa
The unlikely collaboration between Toronto-based singer, Raquel & NLE Choppa is bound to defy your expectations. With them being on completely different wavelengths, they will surely catch you by surprise with “La, La, La.” Somehow, NLE Choppa is able to tone down his dominate energy to match Raquel’s festive energy.
GIVEON – “RATHER BE”
The world has patiently been waiting for a new GIVEON album forever, and we finally get a step closer to that being a reality. “RATHER BE” provides an old-school feel while maintaining a modern R&B song structure. If you’re not quite over your ex, then these lyrics are bound to hit close to home. He has certainly mastered the ability to channel profound emotional experiences into his music.
Rache Bands – “Count Me Out“
Making his second appearance on Remixd Mag is Rache Bands with “Count Me Out.” As the title suggests, it would be foolish to count someone with his talent out. The combination of his cadence, beat selection, and raw energy keeps bringing me back.
We hope you enjoyed this week’s edition of New Music Friday,
Rochester-based artist Carthage (@kofi.agyemann), born Kofi Agyeman and originally from West Orange, NJ, is making waves with his new EP, CHAMELEON, released on April 29. The project explores themes of social anxiety, personal growth. And the way we adapt to different environments—something he relates to deeply.
“I’ve always kind of forced myself to be social to avoid being ostracized,” Carthage explains to Remixd Mag. “Even when I’m having a sh–ty day, I’ll put on the biggest smile and talk to strangers with enthusiasm.” However, this idea of shifting personas inspired the EP’s title. Thus, referencing the chameleon’s ability to change and adapt. “Some people might see that as fake, but I think it’s about empathy and social awareness.”
Musically, Carthage describes his sound as “ether.” Thus, it consists of warm, vibrant synths paired with experimental R&B and alternative hip-hop influences. He draws inspiration from artists like Frank Ocean, Tyler, The Creator, and Solange. Thus, blending indie vibes with a fresh, genre-bending approach. “I think of my music as rebuilding the best parts of myself,” he says, referencing how he chose the name Carthage after the ancient civilization that fought against Rome despite being destroyed.
Inspirations
Moreover, the EP was inspired in part by fellow artist Noah Guy’s consistent EP releases. As a college senior finishing his undergrad in Rochester, NY, and preparing for grad school in Philly, Carthage reflects on transition and change. “Getting into UPenn for grad school was the first time I really felt like I achieved something,” he says. “Almost everyone I grew up with is about to spread their wings. This project is a reflection of that.”
Looking ahead, Carthage says he is already working on his next project. Moreover, its an ambitious album titled ETHER. He aims to create a unique “world” with a continuous sound like his favorite albums Blonde and Igor. For now, CHAMELEON offers a compelling glimpse into his evolving artistry.
